Seating Components with Laminated Bonding Material

ABSTRACT

A seating support arrangement includes a seating frame arrangement, a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user, a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member, and an elastically resilient control arrangement supported by the frame arrangement and positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement changes the geometrical configuration of the cover member.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a seating assembly, and in particularto a seating assembly that includes a laminated support surface, whereinthe surface can be configured to enhance mechanical properties of asupporting cover material, as well as to control the geometricalconfiguration or shape of the overall supporting surface.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention is a seating arrangement thatincludes a first seating support arrangement that comprises a framearrangement, a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangementand configured to support a seated user, and a control arrangementoperably coupled to the cover member such that deformation of thecontrol arrangement deforms the cover member. The seating arrangementfurther includes a second seating support arrangement that comprises aframe arrangement, a flexible cover member supported by the framearrangement and configured to support a seated user, and a controlarrangement operably coupled to the cover member such that deformationof the control arrangement deforms the cover member. The seatingarrangement further includes a coupling assembly operably coupling thecontrol arrangement of the second seating support arrangement with thecontrol arrangement of the first seating support arrangement such thatdeflection of the supporting surface of the second seating supportarrangement causes a deflection of the cover member of the first seatingarrangement while the frame arrangement of the first seating supportarrangement and the frame arrangement of the second seating supportarrangement each remain substantially motionless.

Another aspect of the present invention is a seating arrangement thatincludes a first seating support arrangement that comprises a firstframe arrangement defining a first interior space, a first flexiblecover supported by the first frame arrangement and located within thefirst interior space, the first flexible cover configured to support aseated user, and a second seating support arrangement that comprises asecond frame arrangement defining a second interior space, and a secondflexible cover supported by the second frame arrangement and locatedwithin the second interior space, the second flexible cover configuredto support a seated user. The seating arrangement further includes acoupling assembly operably coupling the second cover of the secondseating support arrangement with the first cover of the first seatingsupport arrangement such that deflection of the second cover of thesecond seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the firstcover member of the first seating arrangement while the first framearrangement of the first seating support arrangement and the secondframe arrangement the second seating support arrangement each remainsubstantially motionless.

Still yet another aspect of the present invention is a seatingarrangement that includes a first seating support arrangement thatcomprises a seating frame arrangement, a flexible cover member supportedby the seating frame arrangement and configured to support a seateduser, and a surface layer covering at least a portion of the covermember and including a first surface facing the cover member and asecond surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface ofthe surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover memberinterspaced with second portions that are not attached to the covermember. The first seating support arrangement further comprises anelastically resilient control supported by the seating frame arrangementand positioned between the cover member and one of the second portionssuch that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to thecover member and the surface layer, wherein elastic deformation of thecontrol arrangement changes the geometrical configuration of the covermember. The seating arrangement further includes a second seatingsupport arrangement including a supporting surface adapted to support auser, and a coupling assembly operably coupling the support surface ofthe second seating support arrangement with the control arrangement ofthe first seating support arrangement such that deflection of thesupporting surface of the second seating support arrangement causes adeflection of the cover member of the first seating arrangement.

These and other features, advantages, and objects of the presentinvention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled inthe art by reference to the following specification, claims, andappended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a seating arrangement embodying thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the seating arrangement ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a cover member anda surface layer taken along the line IIIA-IIIA, FIG. 1;

FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional side elevational view of an alternativeembodiment of the cover member and the surface layer;

FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional side elevational view of a secondalternative embodiment of the cover member and the surface layer;

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a method for constructing a seatingsupport arrangement in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an alternative method for constructing aseating support arrangement;

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of a second alternative method forconstructing a seating support arrangement;

FIG. 7 is a side elevational view of a seating arrangement, wherein aseating assembly and a back assembly are cut-away to show a controlassembly; and

FIG. 8 is a side elevational view of an alternative embodiment of aseating arrangement, wherein a seating assembly and a back assembly arecut-away to show a control assembly

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper,” “lower,” “right,”“left,” “rear,” “front,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” and derivativesthereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIGS. 1 and 2.However, it is to be understood that the invention may assume variousalternative orientations and step sequences, except where expresslyspecified to the contrary. It is also to be understood that the specificdevices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, anddescribed in the following specification are exemplary embodiments ofthe inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specificdimensions and other physical characteristics relating to theembodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting,unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

The reference numeral 10 (FIG. 1) generally designates a seatingarrangement embodying the present invention. In the illustrated example,the seating arrangement 10 comprises an office chair assembly, however,it is noted that the present invention may be incorporated into variousseating arrangements, including but not limited to, office seating,vehicle seating, home seating, stadium seating, theater seating, and thelike. The seating arrangement 10 includes a castered base assembly 12abutting a supporting floor surface 13, a control or support assembly 14supported by the castered base assembly 12, a seat assembly 16 and aback assembly 18 each operably coupled with the control assembly 14, anda pair of arm assemblies 20.

The seat assembly or seating support arrangement 16 (FIGS. 2 and 3A)includes a seating frame arrangement 22 including a recess 24 definedtherein. The seat assembly 16 further includes a flexible cover member26 that is supported by the seating frame 22 as described below. In theillustrated example, the flexible cover member 26 includes a firstsurface 25 and a second surface 27 opposite the first surface 25, andcomprises a woven fabric, however various materials may also beutilized, including non-woven fabrics, polymeric materials, leather, andthe like. The seat assembly 16 further includes a surface layer 28attached to the cover member 26. As shown, the surface layer 28comprises a sheet of polymeric film material such as a polyester,however other suitable materials may also be utilized depending upon theparticular application and the mechanical properties and/or shapecontrol required. In the illustrated example, the surface layer 28includes a first surface 29 and a second surface 31 opposite the firstsurface 29. The surface layer 28 further includes laterally extendingfirst portions 30 attached to the cover member 26 and a plurality oflaterally extending second portions 32 interspaced with the firstportions 30 and which are not attached to cover member 26, therebycreating a plurality of laterally extending tunnels 4, as describedbelow.

The seat assembly 16 further includes an elastically resilient controlarrangement 50 that is supported by the seating frame 22 above therecess 24, and is positioned between the cover member 26 and the surfacelayer 28. In the illustrated example, the control arrangement 50includes a pair of flexibly resilient flexing members 52 attached to thesides 54 of the seating frame 22 by mechanical fasteners 56. The controlarrangement 50 further includes a plurality of support members 58coupled to and extending laterally between the flexing members 52. Inthe illustrated example, the support members 58 comprise a plurality offlexibly resilient, tensioned wire members each having a circularcross-sectional configuration. However, it is noted that variouslyconfigured support members comprising various materials may be utilized.

As best illustrated in FIG. 3A, the seat assembly 16 is constructed suchthat the elongated support members 58 extend laterally through thetunnels 34, and are allowed to freely move with respect to the covermember 26 and the surface layer 28. Specifically, the seat assembly 16is constructed by aligning the control arrangement 50 with the covermember 26 and the surface layer 28 such that the support members 58 ofthe control arrangement 50 are positioned between the cover member 26and the surface layer 28. The first portions 30 of the surface layer 28are then attached to the second surface 27 of the cover member 26,thereby creating the tunnels 34 within which the support members 58extend and are allowed to freely move with respect to the cover member26 and the surface layer 28. In the illustrated example, the firstsurface 29 of the surface layer 28 is preferably bonded to the secondsurface 27 of the cover member 26 via thermal bonding, sonic welding,laser welding, and the like, however other attachment methods may beutilized, such as adhesion, stitching, and the like. As an overview,FIG. 4 outlines the method for constructing the seating supportarrangement 16 includes providing the frame arrangement 100, providingthe cover member 102, providing the surface layer 104, positioning thecontrol arrangement between the cover member and the surface layer 106,covering at least a portion of the cover member with the surface layer108, attaching the first portions of the surface layer with the covermember 100, and coupling the cover member with the frame arrangement112. Of course, alternative step sequences may also be utilized, such asattaching the surface layer with cover member 110 prior to positioningthe control arrangement with respect to the cover member and the surfacelayer 106.

It is noted that the first surface 29 of the surface layer 28 in theareas aligned with the second portions 32 of the surface layer 28 may bepre-treated so as to prevent bonding of the second portions 32 of thesurface layer 28 with the second surface 27 of the cover member 26.Alternatively, a boundary layer 33 (FIG. 3B) may be positioned betweenthe second portions 32 of the surface layer 28 and the second surface 27of the cover member 26 such that the cover member 26 is prevented frombonding to the first surface 29 of the surface layer 28 at the secondportions 32 thereof.

It is further noted that while FIGS. 3A and 3B show the cover member 26and the surface layer 28 being arranged with respect to one another suchthat the first surface 25 of the cover member 26 forms the outeraesthetic surface of the seating support arrangement 16, the covermember 26 and the surface layer 28 may be arranged such that the surfacelayer 28 provides the outer aesthetic surface for the seating supportarrangement 16, such as that illustrated in FIG. 3C. In thisarrangement, the surface layer 28 may be provided in a pattern onto thecover member 26 or have a pattern created thereon or therein to providethe outer aesthetic appearance of the seating support structure 16either individually or in cooperation with the cover member 26.Moreover, it is noted that the surface layer 28 may be transparent,translucent, or opaque, or combinations thereof.

Moreover, the surface layer 28 may be configured and/or patterned in amanner so as to cooperate with the cover member 26 to provide to oralter the mechanical properties of the cover member 26. For example, thesurface layer 28 may be attached to the cover member 26 such that theelastic modulus of the combination of the cover member 26 and thesurface layer 28 together is different from the elastic modulus of thecover member alone, thereby allowing for localized areas of increasedsupport provided to a user. An example of a method that may be utilizedto construct a seating support arrangement with a varying elasticmodulus includes providing a seating frame arrangement 200 (FIG. 5),providing a cover member having a first elastic modulus 202, attaching apolymer film surface layer to a support area of the cover member suchthat the cover member and surface layer cooperate to provide a secondelastic modulus in the support area that is greater than the firstelastic modulus 204, and supporting the cover member and the surfacelayer from the seating frame arrangement 206.

In the illustrated example, the flexing members 52 are coupled to theseating frame 22 such that the flexing members 52 are flexed and biasedin an upward direction 60. As best illustrated in FIG. 7, a controlassembly 70 includes a control input arrangement such as a control knob72 configured to receive an input from a user and operably coupled to atleast one of the pair of flexing members 52 via a Bowden cable 74. Inoperation, a user may reconfigure the supporting surface 76 of the covermember 26 by flexing the flexible members 52 via the control knob 72 andthe Bowden cable 74 between a first position A and a second position B.It is noted that while in the illustrated example, the controlarrangement 50 is configured to adjust the shape of all or at least themajority of the support surface 76, the control arrangement 50 and thesurface layer 28 may be configured to affect, reconfigure or shape onlya portion of the support surface 76.

For example, the back assembly or seating support arrangement 18 isconstructed in a similar manner to that of the previously described seatassembly 16, but wherein the associated surface layer and/or controlassembly do not extend over the entire supporting surface of the backassembly. In the illustrated example, the back assembly 18 includes aback frame 80 that includes a recess 82, a cover member 84 and a surfacelayer 86. The surface layer 86 includes a plurality of first portions 88and second portions 90 that are coupled with the cover member 84 in asimilar manner to that described above with respect to the surface layer28 and the cover member 26, thereby creating a plurality of laterallyextending tunnels. A back control arrangement 92 is constructed similarto the control arrangement 50 of the seat assembly 16 and includes apair of flexing members 94 operably coupled to the back frame 80 via aplurality of mechanical fasteners 96, and a plurality of support members98 extending through the tunnels located between the cover member 84 andthe surface layer 86. In the illustrated example, the surface layer 86is aligned with a lower portion or lumbar region 83 of the cover member84 and may or may not be aligned with and attached to an upper portion85 of the cover member 84. The back control arrangement 92 is alignedwith only the lower portion 83 of the cover member 84. In operation, auser may reconfigure a supporting surface 87 of the lower portion 83 ofthe cover member 84 in a similar manner to that described above withrespect to the seat assembly 16, or specifically by flexing the flexingmember 94 via a control knob 89 and a Bowden cable 91 between a firstposition C and a second position D.

Alternatively, the present invention may be used to couple multiplesupport surfaces together, such that a force input exerted onto onesupport surface changes the shape of or reconfigures another supportsurface. For example, the chair 10 a (FIG. 8) may be configured suchthat an input force F exerted onto the seat assembly 16 a results in achange of shape to the support surface 87 a of the back assembly via acontrol assembly 93. Since the chair 10 a is similar to the previouslydescribed chair 10, similar parts appearing in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 arerepresented by the same reference numeral, except for the suffix “a” inthe numerals of the latter. In the illustrated example, a Bowden cable95 a directly couples the flexing members 94 a of the controlarrangement 92 a of the back assembly 18 a with the flexing members 52 aof the control arrangement 50 a of the seat assembly 16 a, such that thedownwardly directed force F results in a downward deflection of thesupport surface 76 a of the seat assembly 16 a from the position E tothe position F, thereby causing the support surface 87 a of the backassembly 18 a to deflect from the position G to the position H. Whilethe present example illustrates the automatic adjustment of a lumbararea of a seating back assembly due to a force exerted on a seatingassembly by a seated user, it is noted that the concept of reconfiguringand/or reshaping various supporting surfaces as a result of forcesexerted on the support surfaces of other supporting arrangements may beused between a wide variety of supporting surfaces and seatingcomponents including but not limited to seat assemblies, backassemblies, head rest assemblies, arm assemblies, and the like.

Similarly, the surface layer 28 may be configured and/or patterned in amanner so as to cooperate with the cover member 26 to alter the rigidityof the material of the cover member 26 alone, thereby allowing the covermember 26 to be pre-shaped prior to assembly with the remainder of theseating support arrangement 16. For example, the surface layer 28 may beattached and molded with the cover member 16 so as to form threedimensional shapes with the cover member for increased structuralintegrity, improved aesthetics, improving ease of manufacturing and/orassembly, and the like. An example of a method that may be utilized toconstruct a seating support arrangement with a varying rigidity includesproviding a seating support arrangement 300 (FIG. 6) providing a covermember having a first rigidity and a shaped area that is less than thetotal area 302, attaching the polymer film surface layer to the shapedarea such that the shaped area has a rigidity greater than the firstrigidity 304, shaping the shaped area into a three dimensional shape306, and attaching the cover member and the surface layer to the seatingframe arrangement while the shaped area substantially retains the threedimensional shape 308.

1. A seating support arrangement, comprising:

-   -   a seating frame arrangement;    -   a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement and        configured to support a seated user;    -   a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member        and including a first surface facing the cover member and a        second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first        surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to        the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not        attached to the cover member; and    -   an elastically resilient control arrangement supported by the        frame arrangement and positioned between the cover member and        one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is        free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface        layer, wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement        changes the geometrical configuration of the cover member.        2. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the        seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly.        3. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the        seating support arrangement comprises a seat support assembly.        4. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cover        member comprises a fabric material.        5. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the        second portions of the surface layer cooperate with the cover        member to form a plurality of elongated tunnels, and wherein the        control arrangement includes a plurality of control members that        extend along the tunnels.        6. The seating support arrangement of claim 5, wherein the        tunnels extend lateral across the cover member.        7. The seating support arrangement of claim 5, wherein the        plurality of control members includes a plurality of elongate        wires.        8. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the        control arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between        the cover member and one of the second portions of the surface        layer.        9. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first        portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member        by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.        10. The seating support arrangement of claim 1, further        comprising:    -   at least one boundary layer positioned between the second        portions of the surface layer and the cover member.        11. The seating support arrangement of claim 10, wherein the at        least one boundary layer is attached to the second portions of        the surface layer.        12. The seating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first        portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member        by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.        13. A seating arrangement, comprising:    -   a first seating support arrangement, comprising:        -   a seating frame arrangement;        -   a flexible cover member supported by the seating frame            arrangement and configured to support a seated user;        -   a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover            member and including a first surface facing the cover member            and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the            first surface of the surface layer includes first portions            attached to the cover member interspaced with second            portions that are not attached to the cover member; and        -   an elastically resilient control supported by the seating            frame arrangement and positioned between the cover member            and one of the second portions such that the control            arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member            and the surface layer, wherein elastic deformation of the            control arrangement changes the geometrical configuration of            the cover member;    -   a second seating support arrangement including a supporting        surface adapted to support a user; and    -   a coupling assembly operably coupling the support surface of the        second seating support arrangement with the control arrangement        of the first seating support arrangement such that deflection of        the supporting surface of the second seating support arrangement        causes a deflection of the cover member of the first seating        arrangement.        14. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the first        seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly,        and the second seating support arrangement comprises a seat        support assembly.        15. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the second        seating support arrangement further comprises:    -   a seating frame arrangement;    -   a flexible cover member supported by the seating frame        arrangement and that includes the supporting surface;    -   a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member        and including a first surface facing the cover member and a        second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first        surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to        the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not        attached to the cover member; and    -   an elastically resilient control arrangement supported by the        seating frame arrangement and positioned between the cover        member and at least one of the second portions such that the        control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover        member and the surface layer, wherein the control arrangement is        operably coupled with the coupling assembly, and wherein changes        to the geometrical configuration of the cover member elastically        deforms the control arrangement.        16. The seating arrangement of claim 15, wherein the second        portions of the surface layer of the first seating support        arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating        support arrangement to form a plurality of elongated tunnels,        and the control arrangement of the first seating support        arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend        along the tunnels, and wherein the second portions of the        surface layer of the second seating support arrangement        cooperate with the cover member of the second seating support        arrangement to form a plurality of elongate tunnels, and the        control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement        includes a plurality of control members that extend along the        tunnels of the second seating support arrangement.        17. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the tunnels of        the first seating support arrangement extend lateral across the        cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and        wherein the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement        extend lateral across the cover member of the second seating        support arrangement.        18. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the plurality        of control members of the first seating support arrangement        includes a plurality of elongate wires, and wherein the        plurality of control members of the second seating support        arrangement includes a plurality of elongated wires.        19. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the control        arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes an        elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the first        seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of        the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement, and        wherein the control arrangement of the second seating support        arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the        cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one        of the second portions of the surface layer of the second        seating support arrangement.        20. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the first        portions of the surface layer of the first seating support        arrangement are attached to the cover member of the first        seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic        welding, and laser welding, and wherein the first portions of        the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement are        attached to the cover member of the second seating support        arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and        laser welding.        21. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the first        seating support arrangement further comprises at least one        boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the        surface layer of the first seating support arrangement and the        cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and the        at least one boundary layer of the first seating support        arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface        layer of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the        second seating support arrangement further comprises at least        one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the        surface layer of the second seating support arrangement and the        cover member of the second seating support arrangement, and the        at least one boundary layer of the second seating support        arrangement is adhered to the second portions of the surface        layer of the second seating support arrangement.        22. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the cover        member comprises a fabric material.        23. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the second        portions of the surface layer of the first seating support        arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating        support arrangement to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein        the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members        that extend along the tunnels.        24. The seating arrangement of claim 23, wherein the tunnels        extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating        support arrangement.        25. The seating arrangement of claim 23, wherein the plurality        of control members includes a plurality of elongate wires.        26. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the control        arrangement includes an elongate wire position between the cover        member and one of the second portions of the surface layer.        27. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the first        portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member        by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.        28. The seating arrangement of claim 13, further comprising at        least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions        of the surface layer and the cover member, wherein the at least        one boundary layer is attached to the second portions of the        surface layer.        29. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the coupling        assembly comprises a Bowden cable.        30. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the seating        arrangement comprises an office chair assembly.        31. A method for constructing a seating arrangement, comprising:    -   providing a first seating support arrangement, comprising:        -   providing a frame arrangement;        -   providing a flexible cover member;        -   covering at least a portion of the cover member with a            surface layer, wherein the cover member includes a first            surface facing the cover member and a second surface            opposite the first surface;        -   attaching first portions of the first surface to the cover            member that are interspaced with second portions that are            not attached to the cover member; positioning an elastically            resilient control arrangement between the cover member and            at least one of the second portions such that the control            arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member            and the surface layer, and such that elastic deformation of            the control arrangement changes a geometrical configuration            of the cover member; and        -   coupling the cover member with the frame arrangement such            that the cover member is configured to support a seated            user;    -   providing a second seating support arrangement including a        supporting surface adapted to support a user; and    -   coupling the support surface of the second seating support        arrangement to the control arrangement of the first seating        support arrangement with a coupling assembly such that        deflection of the supporting surface of the second seating        support arrangement causes a deflection of the cover member of        the first seating arrangement.        32. The method of claim 31, wherein providing the first seating        support arrangement includes providing a back support assembly,        and wherein providing the second seating support arrangement        includes providing a seat support assembly.        33. The method of claim 31, wherein providing the second seating        support arrangement comprises:    -   providing a frame arrangement;    -   providing a flexible cover member;    -   covering at least a portion of the cover member with a surface        layer, wherein the cover member includes a first surface facing        the cover member and a second surface opposite the first        surface, and wherein the first surface of the surface layer        includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced        with second portions that are not attached to the cover layer;        and    -   positioning an elastically resilient control arrangement between        the cover member and at least one of the second portions such        that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the        cover member and the surface layer, and such that elastic        deformation of the control arrangement changes a geometrical        configuration of the cover member, and    -   coupling the cover member with the frame arrangement such that        at least one of the cover member and the surface layer is        configured to support a seated user.        34. The method of claim 33, wherein the second portions of the        surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate        with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement        to form a plurality of elongated tunnels, and the control        arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes a        plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels, and        wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the second        seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of        the second seating support arrangement to form a plurality of        elongate tunnels, and the control arrangement of the second        seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control        members that extend along the tunnels of the second seating        support arrangement.        35. The method of claim 34, wherein the tunnels of the first        seating support arrangement extend lateral across the cover        member of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the        tunnels of the second seating support arrangement extend lateral        across the cover member of the second seating support        arrangement.        36. The method of claim 34, wherein the plurality of control        members of the first seating support arrangement includes a        plurality of elongate wires, and wherein the plurality of        control members of the second seating support arrangement        includes a plurality of elongated wires.        37. The method of claim 34, wherein the control arrangement of        the first seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire        positioned between the cover member of the first seating support        arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer        of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the        control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement        includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of        the second seating support arrangement and one of the second        portions of the surface layer of the second seating support        arrangement.        38. The method of claim 33, wherein the first portions of the        surface layer of the first seating support arrangement are        attached to the cover member of the first seating support        arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and        laser welding, and wherein the first portions of the surface        layer of the second seating support arrangement are attached to        the cover member of the second seating support arrangement by at        least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.        39. The method of claim 33, wherein the first seating support        arrangement further comprises at least one boundary layer        positioned between the second portions of the surface layer of        the first seating support arrangement and the cover member of        the first seating support arrangement, and the at least one        boundary layer of the first seating support arrangement is        attached to the second portions of the surface layer of the        first seating support arrangement, and wherein the second        seating support arrangement further comprises at least one        boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the        surface layer of the second seating support arrangement and the        cover member of the second seating support arrangement, and the        at least one boundary layer of the second seating support        arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface        layer of the second seating support arrangement.        40. The method of claim 31, wherein the cover member comprises a        fabric material.        41. The method of claim 31, wherein the second portions of the        surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate        with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement        to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein the control        arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend        along the tunnels.        42. The method of claim 41, wherein the tunnels extend lateral        across the cover member of the first seating support        arrangement.        43. The method of claim 41, wherein the plurality of control        members includes a plurality of elongate wires.        44. The method of claim 31, wherein the control arrangement        includes an elongate wire position between the cover member and        one of the second portions of the surface layer.        45. The method of claim 31, wherein the first portions of the        surface layer are attached to the cover member by at least one        of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.        46. The method of claim 31, wherein the coupling assembly        comprises a Bowden cable.        47. The method of claim 31, wherein the seating arrangement        comprises an office chair assembly.        48. The method of claim 31, wherein positioning the control        arrangement is completed one of prior to and concurrent with        attaching the first portions of the first surface to the cover.        49. A method for constructing a seating support arrangement,        comprising:    -   providing a frame arrangement;    -   providing a flexible cover member;    -   covering at least a portion of the cover member with a surface        layer, wherein the cover member includes a first surface facing        the cover member and a second surface opposite the first        surface;    -   attaching first portions of the first surface to the cover        member that are interspaced with second portions that are not        attached to the cover member;    -   positioning an elastically resilient control arrangement between        the cover member and at least one of the second portions such        that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the        cover member and the surface layer, and such that elastic        deformation of the control arrangement changes a geometrical        configuration of the cover member; and    -   coupling the cover member with the frame arrangement such that        the cover member is configured to support a seated user.        50. The method of claim 49, wherein providing the first seating        support arrangement includes providing a back support assembly.        51. The method of claim 49, wherein providing the second seating        support arrangement includes providing a seat support assembly.        52. The method of claim 49, wherein the second portions of the        surface layer of the seating support arrangement cooperate with        the cover member of the seating support arrangement to form a        plurality of elongated tunnels, and the control arrangement of        the seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control        members that extend along the tunnels.        53. The method of claim 52, wherein the tunnels of the seating        support arrangement extend lateral across the cover member of        the seating support arrangement.        54. The method of claim 53, wherein the plurality of control        members of the first seating support arrangement includes a        plurality of elongate wires.        55. The method of claim 49, wherein the control arrangement of        the seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire        positioned between the cover member of the seating support        arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer        of the seating support arrangement.        56. The method of claim 49, wherein the first portions of the        surface layer of the seating support arrangement are attached to        the cover member of the seating support arrangement by at least        one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.        57. The method of claim 49 further comprises:    -   at least one boundary layer positioned between the second        portions of the surface layer of the seating support arrangement        and the cover member of the seating support arrangement, and        wherein the at least one boundary layer of the seating support        arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface        layer of the first seating support arrangement.        58. The method of claim 49, wherein the cover member comprises a        fabric material.        59. The method of claim 49, wherein positioning the control        arrangement is completed one of prior to and concurrent with        attaching the first portions of the surface to the cover.        60. A seating arrangement, comprising:    -   a first seating support arrangement, comprising:        -   a frame arrangement;        -   a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement            and configured to support a seated user; and        -   a control arrangement operably coupled to the cover member            such that deformation of the control arrangement deforms the            cover member;    -   a second seating support arrangement, comprising:        -   a frame arrangement;        -   a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement            and configured to support a seated user; and        -   a control arrangement operably coupled to the cover member            such that deformation of the control arrangement deforms the            cover member; and    -   a coupling assembly operably coupling the control arrangement of        the second seating support arrangement with the control        arrangement of the first seating support arrangement such that        deflection of the supporting surface of the second seating        support arrangement causes a deflection of the cover member of        the first seating arrangement while the frame arrangement of the        first seating support arrangement and the frame arrangement of        the second seating support arrangement each remain substantially        motionless.        61. The seating arrangement of claim 60, wherein the first        seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly,        and the second seating support arrangement comprises a seat        support assembly.        62. The seating arrangement of claim 60, wherein the first        seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer        covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a        first surface facing the cover member and a second surface        opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the        surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover        member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to        the cover member, wherein the control arrangement of the first        seating support arrangement is elastically resilient and extends        between the pair of frame members and is positioned between the        cover member and one of the second portions such that the        control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover        member and the surface layer, and wherein elastic deformation of        the control arrangement deforms the cover member.        63. The seating arrangement of claim 62, wherein the second        seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer        covering at least a portion of the cover member of the second        seating support arrangement and including a first surface facing        the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and a        second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first        surface of the surface layer of the second seating support        arrangement includes first portions attached to the cover member        of the second seating support arrangement interspaced with        second portions that are not attached to the cover member of the        second seating support arrangement, wherein the control        arrangement of the second seating support arrangement is        elastically resilient and extends between the pair of frame        members of the second seating support arrangement and is        positioned between the cover member of the second seating        support arrangement and one of the second portions such that the        control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement is        free to move with respect to the cover member of the second        seating support arrangement and the surface layer of the second        seating support arrangement, and wherein elastic deformation of        the control arrangement of the second seating support        arrangement deforms the cover member of the second seating        support arrangement.        64. The seating arrangement of claim 63, wherein the second        portions of the surface layer of the first seating support        arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating        support arrangement to form a plurality of elongated tunnels,        and the control arrangement of the first seating support        arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend        along the tunnels, and wherein the second portions of the        surface layer of the second seating support arrangement        cooperate with the cover member of the second seating support        arrangement to form a plurality of elongate tunnels, and the        control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement        includes a plurality of control members that extend along the        tunnels of the second seating support arrangement.        65. The seating arrangement of claim 64, wherein the tunnels of        the first seating support arrangement extend lateral across the        cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and        wherein the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement        extend lateral across the cover member of the second seating        support arrangement.        66. The seating arrangement of claim 63, wherein the plurality        of control members of the first seating support arrangement        includes a plurality of elongate wires, and wherein the        plurality of control members of the second seating support        arrangement includes a plurality of elongated wires.        67. The seating arrangement of claim 63, wherein the control        arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes an        elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the first        seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of        the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement, and        wherein the control arrangement of the second seating support        arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the        cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one        of the second portions of the surface layer of the second        seating support arrangement.        68. The seating arrangement of claim 63, wherein the first        portions of the surface layer of the first seating support        arrangement are attached to the cover member of the first        seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic        welding, and laser welding, and wherein the first portions of        the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement are        attached to the cover member of the second seating support        arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and        laser welding.        69. The seating arrangement of claim 63, wherein the first        seating support arrangement further comprises at least one        boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the        surface layer of the first seating support arrangement and the        cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and the        at least one boundary layer of the first seating support        arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface        layer of the first seating support arrangement.        70. The seating arrangement of claim 62, wherein the second        portions of the surface layer of the first seating support        arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating        support arrangement to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein        the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members        that extend along the tunnels.        71. The seating arrangement of claim 70, wherein the tunnels        extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating        support arrangement.        72. The seating arrangement of claim 70, wherein the plurality        of control members includes a plurality of elongate wires.        73. The seating arrangement of claim 62, wherein the control        arrangement includes an elongate wire position between the cover        member and one of the second portions of the surface layer.        74. The seating arrangement of claim 62, wherein the first        portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member        by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.        75. The seating arrangement of claim 62, further comprising at        least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions        of the surface layer and the cover member, wherein the at least        one boundary layer is attached to the second portions of the        surface layer.        76. The seating arrangement of claim 60, wherein the coupling        assembly comprises a Bowden cable.        77. The seating arrangement of claim 60, wherein the cover        member of the first seating support arrangement comprises a        fabric material.        78. The seating arrangement of claim 60, wherein the seating        arrangement comprises an office chair assembly.        79. A seating arrangement, comprising:    -   a first seating support arrangement, comprising:        -   a first frame arrangement defining a first interior space;        -   a first flexible cover supported by the first frame            arrangement and located within the first interior space, the            first flexible cover configured to support a seated user;            and    -   a second seating support arrangement, comprising:        -   a second frame arrangement defining a second interior space;        -   a second flexible cover supported by the second frame            arrangement and located within the second interior space,            the second flexible cover configured to support a seated            user; and    -   a coupling assembly operably coupling the second cover of the        second seating support arrangement with the first cover of the        first seating support arrangement such that deflection of the        second cover of the second seating support arrangement causes a        deflection of the first cover member of the first seating        arrangement while the first frame arrangement of the first        seating support arrangement and the second frame arrangement the        second seating support arrangement each remain substantially        motionless.        80. The seating arrangement of claim 79, wherein the first        seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly,        and the second seating support arrangement comprises a seat        support assembly.        81. The seating arrangement of claim 79, wherein the first        seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer        covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a        first surface facing the cover member and a second surface        opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the        surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover        member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to        the cover member, and wherein first seating support arrangement        further comprises an elastically resilient control arrangement        located within the interior space and positioned between the        cover member and one of the second portions such that the        control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover        member and the surface layer, and wherein elastic deformation of        the control arrangement deforms the cover member.        82. The seating arrangement of claim 81, wherein the second        seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer        covering at least a portion of the cover member of the second        seating support arrangement and including a first surface facing        the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and a        second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first        surface of the surface layer of the second seating support        arrangement includes first portions attached to the cover member        of the second seating support arrangement interspaced with        second portions that are not attached to the cover member of the        second seating support arrangement, wherein the second support        arrangement further comprises and elastically resilient control        arrangement that extends between the pair of frame members of        the second seating support arrangement and is positioned between        the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and        one of the second portions such that the control arrangement of        the second seating support arrangement is free to move with        respect to the cover member of the second seating support        arrangement and the surface layer of the second seating support        arrangement, and wherein elastic deformation of the control        arrangement of the second seating support arrangement deforms        the cover member of the second seating support arrangement.        83. The seating arrangement of claim 82, wherein the second        portions of the surface layer of the first seating support        arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating        support arrangement to form a plurality of elongated tunnels,        and the control arrangement of the first seating support        arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend        along the tunnels, and wherein the second portions of the        surface layer of the second seating support arrangement        cooperate with the cover member of the second seating support        arrangement to form a plurality of elongate tunnels, and the        control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement        includes a plurality of control members that extend along the        tunnels of the second seating support arrangement.        84. The seating arrangement of claim 83, wherein the tunnels of        the first seating support arrangement extend lateral across the        cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and        wherein the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement        extend lateral across the cover member of the second seating        support arrangement.        85. The seating arrangement of claim 83, wherein the plurality        of control members of the first seating support arrangement        includes a plurality of elongate wires, and wherein the        plurality of control members of the second seating support        arrangement includes a plurality of elongated wires.        86. The seating arrangement of claim 83, wherein the control        arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes an        elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the first        seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of        the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement, and        wherein the control arrangement of the second seating support        arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the        cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one        of the second portions of the surface layer of the second        seating support arrangement.        87. The seating arrangement of claim 83, wherein the first        portions of the surface layer of the first seating support        arrangement are attached to the cover member of the first        seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic        welding, and laser welding, and wherein the first portions of        the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement are        attached to the cover member of the second seating support        arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and        laser welding.        88. The seating arrangement of claim 81, wherein the first        seating support arrangement further comprises at least one        boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the        surface layer of the first seating support arrangement and the        cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and the        at least one boundary layer of the first seating support        arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface        layer of the first seating support arrangement.        89. The seating arrangement of claim 81, wherein the second        portions of the surface layer of the first seating support        arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating        support arrangement to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein        the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members        that extend along the tunnels.        90. The seating arrangement of claim 89, wherein the tunnels        extend lateral across the cover member of the first seating        support arrangement.        91. The seating arrangement of claim 81, wherein the first        portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member        by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.        92. The seating arrangement of claim 81, further comprising at        least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions        of the surface layer and the cover member, wherein the at least        one boundary layer is attached to the second portions of the        surface layer.        93. The seating arrangement of claim 79, wherein the coupling        assembly comprises a Bowden cable.        94. The seating arrangement of claim 79, wherein the seating        arrangement comprises an office chair assembly.        95. A seating support arrangement, comprising:    -   a seating frame arrangement;    -   a cover member supported by the frame arrangement, the cover        member having a first elastic modulus in a first direction, the        cover member having an outer surface area and a support area        that is less than the outer surface area and is configured to        support a user; and    -   a polymer film surface layer attached to the support area of the        cover member such that the combination of the cover member in        the support area and the surface layer has a second elastic        modulus in the first direction that is greater than the first        elastic modulus.        96. The seating support arrangement of claim 95, wherein the        surface layer is substantially transparent.        97. The seating support arrangement of claim 95, wherein the        surface layer is attached to the cover member by at least one of        adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.        98. The seating support arrangement of claim 95, wherein the        surface layer is attached to an outer surface of the cover        member.        99. The seating support arrangement of claim 98, wherein the        surface layer comprises an aesthetic pattern.        100. The seating support arrangement of claim 95, wherein the        seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly.        101. The seating support arrangement of claim 100, wherein the        support area is positioned to support the lumbar area of a        seated user.        102. The seating support arrangement of claim 95, wherein the        polymer film surface layer comprises a polyester.        103. The seating support arrangement of claim 100, wherein the        cover member comprises a fabric.        104. A method for constructing a seating support arrangement,        comprising:    -   providing a seating frame arrangement;    -   providing a cover member having a first elastic modulus in a        first direction, the cover member having an outer surface area        and a support area that is less than the outer surface area and        is configured to support a user;    -   attaching a polymer film surface layer to the support area of        the cover member such that the combination of the cover member        in the support area and the surface layer has a second elastic        modulus in the first direction that is greater than the first        elastic modulus; and    -   supporting the cover and the surface layer by frame arrangement.        105. The method of constructing the seat supporting arrangement        of claim 104, wherein the surface layer is substantially        transparent.        106. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 104, wherein the surface layer is attached to the cover        member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser        welding.        107. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 104, wherein the surface layer is attached to an outer        surface of the cover member.        108. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 107, wherein the surface layer comprises an aesthetic        pattern.        109. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 104, wherein the seating support arrangement comprises        a back support assembly.        110. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 109, wherein the support area is positioned to support        the lumbar area of a seated user.        111. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 104, wherein the polymer film surface layer comprises a        polyester.        112. The method of constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 104, wherein the cover member comprises a fabric.        113. A seating support arrangement, comprising:    -   a cover member having a first rigidity, the cover member having        an outer surface area and a shaped area that is less than the        outer surface area, wherein the cover member is configured to        support a seated user; and    -   a polymer film surface layer attached to the shaped area of the        cover that is less than the outer surface area of the cover such        that the combination of the cover member in the shaped area and        the surface layer has a second rigidity that is greater than the        first rigidity.        114. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the        surface layer is substantially transparent.        115. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the        surface layer is attached to the cover member by at least one of        adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.        116. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the        surface layer is attached to an outer surface of the cover        member.        117. The seating support arrangement of claim 116, wherein the        surface layer comprises an aesthetic pattern.        118. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, further        comprising: a frame arrangement that supports the cover member.        119. The seating support arrangement of claim 118, wherein the        seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly.        120. The seating support arrangement of claim 119, wherein the        support area is positioned to support the lumbar area of a        seated user.        121. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the        polymer film surface layer comprises a polyester.        122. The seat support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the        cover member has a first elastic modulus in a first direction,        the cover member having an outer surface area and a support area        that is less than the outer surface area and is configured to        support a user, and wherein the surface layer attached to the        support area of the cover member such that the combination of        the cover member in the support area and the surface layer has a        second elastic modulus in the first direction that is greater        than the first elastic modulus.        123. The seating support arrangement of claim 122, wherein the        shaped area and the support area are at least partially        collocated.        124. The seating support arrangement of claim 113, wherein the        cover member comprises a fabric.        125. A method for constructing a seating support arrangement,        comprising:    -   providing a seating frame arrangement;    -   providing a cover member having a first rigidity, the cover        member having an outer surface area and a shaped area that is        less than the outer surface area;    -   attaching a polymer film surface layer to the shaped area of the        cover member such that the combination of the cover member in        the support area and the surface layer has a second rigidity        that is greater than the first rigidity;    -   shaping the shaped area into a three dimensional shape; and    -   attaching the cover member and the surface layer to the frame        arrangement while the shaped area substantially retains the        three dimensional shape.        126. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 125, wherein the surface layer is substantially        transparent.        127. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 125, wherein the surface layer is attached to the cover        member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser        welding.        128. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 125, wherein the surface layer is attached to an outer        surface of the cover member.        129. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 128, wherein the surface layer comprises an aesthetic        pattern.        130. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 125, further comprising:    -   a frame arrangement that supports the cover member.        131. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 130, wherein the seating support arrangement comprises        a back support assembly.        132. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 131, wherein the support area is positioned to support        the lumbar area of a seated user.        133. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 125, wherein the polymer film surface layer comprises a        polyester.        134. The method for constructing the seat support arrangement of        claim 125, wherein the cover member has a first elastic modulus        in a first direction, the cover member having an outer surface        area and a support area that is less than the outer surface area        and is configured to support a user, and wherein the surface        layer attached to the support area of the cover member such that        the combination of the cover member in the support area and the        surface layer has a second elastic modulus in the first        direction that is greater than the first elastic modulus.        135. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 134, wherein the shaped area and the support area are        at least partially collocated.        136. The method for constructing the seating support arrangement        of claim 130, wherein the cover member comprises a fabric

In the foregoing description, it will be readily appreciated by thoseskilled in the art that modifications may be made to the inventionwithout departing from the concepts disclosed herein. Such modificationsare to be considered as included in the following claims, unless theseclaims by their language expressly state otherwise.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A seating arrangement, comprising: a first seating support arrangement, comprising: a frame arrangement; a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user; and a control arrangement operably coupled to the cover member such that deformation of the control arrangement deforms the cover member; a second seating support arrangement, comprising: a frame arrangement; a flexible cover member supported by the frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user; and a control arrangement operably coupled to the cover member such that deformation of the control arrangement deforms the cover member; and a coupling assembly operably coupling the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement with the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement such that deflection of the supporting surface of the second seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the cover member of the first seating arrangement while the frame arrangement of the first seating support arrangement and the frame arrangement of the second seating support arrangement each remain substantially motionless.
 2. The seating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly, and the second seating support arrangement comprises a seat support assembly.
 3. The seating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the first seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member, wherein the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement is elastically resilient and extends between the pair of frame members and is positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, and wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement deforms the cover member.
 4. The seating arrangement of claim 3, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels.
 5. The seating arrangement of claim 3, wherein the control arrangement includes an elongate wire position between the cover member and one of the second portions of the surface layer.
 6. The seating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the cover member of the first seating support arrangement comprises a fabric material.
 7. The seating arrangement of claim 1, wherein the seating arrangement comprises an office chair assembly.
 8. A seating arrangement, comprising: a first seating support arrangement, comprising: a first frame arrangement defining a first interior space; a first flexible cover supported by the first frame arrangement and located within the first interior space, the first flexible cover configured to support a seated user; and a second seating support arrangement, comprising: a second frame arrangement defining a second interior space; a second flexible cover supported by the second frame arrangement and located within the second interior space, the second flexible cover configured to support a seated user; and a coupling assembly operably coupling the second cover of the second seating support arrangement with the first cover of the first seating support arrangement such that deflection of the second cover of the second seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the first cover member of the first seating arrangement while the first frame arrangement of the first seating support arrangement and the second frame arrangement the second seating support arrangement each remain substantially motionless.
 9. The seating arrangement of claim 8, wherein the first seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly, and the second seating support arrangement comprises a seat support assembly.
 10. The seating arrangement of claim 8, wherein the first seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member, and wherein first seating support arrangement further comprises an elastically resilient control arrangement located within the interior space and positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, and wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement deforms the cover member.
 11. The seating arrangement of claim 10, wherein the second seating support arrangement further comprises a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and including a first surface facing the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement includes first portions attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement, wherein the second support arrangement further comprises an elastically resilient control arrangement that extends between the pair of frame members of the second seating support arrangement and is positioned between the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement, and wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement deforms the cover member of the second seating support arrangement.
 12. The seating arrangement of claim 10, wherein the first seating support arrangement further comprises at least one boundary layer positioned between the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement and the cover member of the first seating support arrangement, and the at least one boundary layer of the first seating support arrangement is attached to the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement.
 13. The seating arrangement of claim 10, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels.
 14. The seating arrangement of claim 10, wherein the first portions of the surface layer are attached to the cover member by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
 15. The seating arrangement of claim 8, wherein the seating arrangement comprises an office chair assembly.
 16. A seating arrangement, comprising: a first seating support arrangement, comprising: a seating frame arrangement; a flexible cover member supported by the seating frame arrangement and configured to support a seated user; a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member; and an elastically resilient control supported by the seating frame arrangement and positioned between the cover member and one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, wherein elastic deformation of the control arrangement changes the geometrical configuration of the cover member; a second seating support arrangement including a supporting surface adapted to support a user; and a coupling assembly operably coupling the support surface of the second seating support arrangement with the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement such that deflection of the supporting surface of the second seating support arrangement causes a deflection of the cover member of the first seating arrangement.
 17. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the first seating support arrangement comprises a back support assembly, and the second seating support arrangement comprises a seat support assembly.
 18. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the second seating support arrangement further comprises: a seating frame arrangement; a flexible cover member supported by the seating frame arrangement and that includes the supporting surface; a surface layer covering at least a portion of the cover member and including a first surface facing the cover member and a second surface opposite the first surface, wherein the first surface of the surface layer includes first portions attached to the cover member interspaced with second portions that are not attached to the cover member; and an elastically resilient control arrangement supported by the seating frame arrangement and positioned between the cover member and at least one of the second portions such that the control arrangement is free to move with respect to the cover member and the surface layer, wherein the control arrangement is operably coupled with the coupling assembly, and wherein changes to the geometrical configuration of the cover member elastically deforms the control arrangement.
 19. The seating arrangement of claim 18, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongated tunnels, and the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels, and wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the second seating support arrangement to form a plurality of elongate tunnels, and the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels of the second seating support arrangement.
 20. The seating arrangement of claim 19, wherein the plurality of control members of the first seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongate wires, and wherein the plurality of control members of the second seating support arrangement includes a plurality of elongated wires.
 21. The seating arrangement of claim 18, wherein the control arrangement of the first seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the first seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement, and wherein the control arrangement of the second seating support arrangement includes an elongate wire positioned between the cover member of the second seating support arrangement and one of the second portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement.
 22. The seating arrangement of claim 18, wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the first seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding, and wherein the first portions of the surface layer of the second seating support arrangement are attached to the cover member of the second seating support arrangement by at least one of adhesion, sonic welding, and laser welding.
 23. The seating arrangement of claim 16, wherein the second portions of the surface layer of the first seating support arrangement cooperate with the cover member of the first seating support arrangement to form a plurality of tunnels, and wherein the control arrangement includes a plurality of control members that extend along the tunnels.
 24. The seating arrangement of claim 23, wherein the plurality of control members includes a plurality of elongate wires.
 25. The seating arrangement of claim 13, wherein the seating arrangement comprises an office chair assembly. 